Friday, July 13, 2018

Work rule 'works' in first month report; 26 percent flunk

As anticipated thousands failed to report sufficient hours to qualify for eligibility for Medicaid coverage under the work rule put in place at the beginning of June. About 26 percent of those covered didn't satisfy the reporting requirement.

It takes three months of noncompliance to lose coverage (for the rest of the year), but the program is off to a bang-up start for those who hope it will trim spending on health coverage.

A court has struck down a work rule in Kentucky. There's still some thought a legal challenge could be in the offing in Arkansas. In the meanwhile, DHS has provided numbers on the first month's experience.

Remember that many of those who didn't report might not have been able to figure out the online-only reporting system in one of the least computer-ready states in the country.

More by Max Brantley

M.L. King Day: The open lines and a roundup of headlines and comment.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has made several public appearances today as part of the observance of King Day and his remarks have included lauding the state's 2017 action (and his own) in ending the dual observance of King's birthday with that of a man who fought to preserve slavery, Robert E. Lee. I have one brief observation on his remarks:

Sen. Jason Rapert has announced on Facebook his plans to file this week a so-called trigger law — like those passed in four other states — that would make abortion illegal in Arkansas immediately if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Polling suggests the majority would oppose it.

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